Linux noob of 10+ years

I've been using Linux distros exclusively on my computers the last 10+ yearrs, work and play. I thought I knew, but really, I did not know how good I had it.

There was an emergency last week where I had to buy a new laptop asap just so I could get work done .This sub's rules (I read them) reedirected me to Linux noobs. Fair. Yet I think my perspective, rather than just a problem, is to be heard here.

It was such a tizzy, honestly, with my like 3+ long term gigs on the line, I got some cheapass laptop so I could get work done for a few weeks, give it away/sell it in on after, never thinking, oh this is not complicated.

I ASSUMED - things were like (or better) they had been 5 or so years before when I got my previous laptop.

Long story now short: Are you, non-support people here, aware that Microsoft/OEMs are making it more diffiult than ever (in my long experience) for "budget" users to switch to Linux? I sure was not.

This asshat of a machine came preinstalled with Windows 11 ("Home")! I don't know how to get rid of itt. I knew it in 2013. I don't now now.

My Ubuntu USB won't boot, there's not even an option in bios to change boot order. When I switched off "secure boot" or whatever that's called, something called BITLOCKER, refused to recognize my Ubuntu USB, and asked for a 48-number digit ID from Windows. just to proceed???

All I want is to wipe this poison off this machine for my own sake and for the sake of who I give it to next. The point of my post being - How in the world will any actual noob, even try to do any of this? They won't, imo.

Of course I'll figure it out. But I'm - just shocked honestly..I can't see the average user getting a laptop with all these NEW hurdles to get rid of whatever preinstalled OS is, and have the right to use that hardware any way they want.

I had not been exposed to Windows in over a d3cade and it's such a - culture shock now I guess. Going from full control of my system, to MCAFEE in system tray. I'm just - disgusted.